20. Even wild dogs and owls honor me. That is because I provide water in the desert for my people to drink. I cause streams to flow in the dry and empty land for my chosen ones.
21. I do it for the people I made for myself. I want them to sing praise to me.
22. "Family of Jacob, you have not prayed to me as you should. People of Israel, you have not even begun to get tired while doing it.
23. You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings. You have not honored me with your sacrifices. I have not loaded you down by requiring grain offerings. I have not made you tired by requiring you to burn incense.
24. But you have not bought any sweet-smelling cane for me. You have not given me the fattest parts of your animal sacrifices. Instead, you have loaded me down with your sins. You have made me tired with the wrong things you have done.
25. "I am the one who wipes out your lawless acts. I do it because of who I am. I will not remember your sins anymore.
26. But let us go to court together. Remind me of what you have done. State your case. Prove to me that you are not guilty.
27. Your father Jacob sinned. Your priests and prophets refused to obey me.